Bad Day
To say it had been a bad day just didnt cover it. It has stared off OK. Dungeonmaster had appeared; there has been the usual promise of a possible way home, followed by a riddle which no one had understood, but as usual, something has gone wrong. She hadnt meant to do it, but somehow she had managed to tip the entire potion over the Ranger, causing todays catastrophe.
Sheila heard footsteps approaching. Go away Diana, I DONT want to talk about it.
The potion is starting to wear off now, hell soon be back to normal, the Acrobat informed her.
She sighed. Just give me a few more minutes.
OK, just dont disappear on us again, Diana replied.
Sheila listened as Diana walked away and though back over what had happened after she had split that damn potion. The effects had been instantaneous. In appearance, the Ranger was unchanged, but in behaviour! They had thought Eric could have his moments, but that was nothing compared to the transformed Hank. He was arrogant and conceited; he seemed to think the world revolved around him. If you had asked him who the worlds sexiest man was, he would have placed himself first, second and third.
Sheila sighed. OK, so she hadnt helped maters. Bobby and Eric had found it hilarious. Presto, Diana and Uni has just taken it as another one of those things that seemed to happen here. She one the other hand had reacted badly, very badly. Fed up of hearing Hank tell them yet again how wonderful he was, she had, in a fit of temper, shoved him head first into the lake. The ensuing argument, with Hank mainly complaining that she had messed up his hair, had caused quite a scene, with some of the Realms inhabitants stopping to stare.
That should have been the end of it. Dungeonmaster had reappeared and informed them that the effects of the potions were only temporary and that the Ranger would soon return to normal. But she couldnt let it go. She was angry at herself for getting Hank into this situation and she was mad at him for his inability to fight the effects.
After the incident by the lake, Hank has stormed off to a nearby abandoned cottage to get himself sorted out. He had been gone for some time before they had decided to go and look for him. What they found had shocked them all. On entering the cottage, they had caught the Ranger in the act. He had been kissing his own reflection in a mirror.
The Cavalier and the Barbarian were in hysterics. Presto has hurriedly pulled Hank away from the mirror and Diana had manoeuvred Sheila out of the door. Sheila had wrenched her arm from her friends grasp and vanished. As much as she hated being alone, she couldnt face any of them right now.
That had been hours ago. She had only just reappeared and was now trying to pluck up the courage to face her friends. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, she never heard someone approaching. She let out a yell as Hank placed his hand on the shoulder.
Sheila, are you OK? he asked.
She tensed, and then slowly turned to face him. I should be asking you that.
I think the effects have worn off now, he said. Im sorry; Ive been acting like a complete jerk.
Im the one who should be apologising, she whispered, and then she burst into tears.
Hank pulled her into a hug and comforted her. When she has calmed down, he placed an arm around her and led her back to the others.
Eric and Bobby had finally stopped laughing. Everything was getting back to normal. Diana came and sat next to Hank, so that the Ranger was sat with her on one side and Sheila on the other. One by one, they all fell asleep, until Hank was the only one still awake.
He looked round at his friends and then at the two girls by his side. They had both fallen asleep resting their heads on his shoulders. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small mirror and winked at his reflection.
Im good!
THE END